Fun Questions:
When do we fly?
Balloon
flights typically occur twice a day in this region –
in the early morning hours (starting around dawn) and a few
hours before sunset. These two times afford the calmest wind
conditions and most stable weather for a safe and enjoyable
flight.
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How
high do we fly?
Typically
we take off and climb slowly to a few thousand feet. This
gives everyone an opportunity to see many beautiful sights
all at once. On a nice day with good visibility you can see
the skylines of New York City and Philadelphia, and the Delaware
Water Gap. Then we slowly descend and glide over corn and
grain fields, lakes, meadows, forests and many other areas
abundant with wildlife.
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Can
we bring a camera?
Not
only can you, we strongly encourage you to do so. Video recorders
are great also. But remember, we are not responsible for any
damage to your personal photography equipment. If you bring
friends or family along to watch, be sure they have the ability
to take pictures of YOU during your flight.
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How
many people can the balloon carry? Can you accommodate larger
groups? Special needs?
The
basket carries five average size passengers plus the pilot.
If you have a larger group, we simply use additional balloons.
Please let us know as much in advance if you have a large
group, or if your guests have special physical needs or requirements.
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How
do you “steer” a balloon?
There
is no way to technically steer a hot air balloon. However,
after a thorough analysis of current and forecast winds, we
have a fairly good idea of any potential changes in wind speed
and/or directions with changes in altitude. The bottom line
is – we go where the wind goes.
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What
should we wear?
Typically,
the temperature will be only slightly cooler with an increase
in altitude. Certainly no extreme change at all. However,
temperatures will be somewhat cooler in the early morning,
as well as late evening, especially when the sun goes down.
Dress “accordingly” as you would for any outdoor
activity keeping in mind the time of year. Even during the
summer, consider bringing a light jacket or sweater. Layering
is certainly better than wearing one bulky piece of clothing.
Please consider that on occasion we may land in fields where
you may have to walk through some brush or foliage. We discourage
open-toe shoes (sandals, flip-flops, etc.). Also, wear shorts
at your own risk.
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What is the balloon made of?
The
gondola (basket) is made of a metal superstructure wrapped
in woven wicker material. The envelope (balloon) is made of
rip-stop nylon with Dacron stitching.
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How
do balloons fly?
Balloons
create lift by heating the air inside the envelope to a point
where the difference between the outside air temperature and
the inside envelope temperature is great enough to make the
balloon buoyant. From there on it’s an exercise in varying
the temperature to either increase temperature/buoyancy (climb)
or decrease temperature/buoyancy (descend).
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How
long is the balloon flight?
The
flight will last around 45 minutes. This time frame is a target
and may vary based on a dynamic process of constantly assessing
weather conditions, fuel analysis, amount of daylight remaining,
or potential choices of landing sites. The Pilot-In-Command
has the final responsibility and authority to make all decisions.
We recommend you plan on spending about three hours with us.
This includes the balloon setup, inflation, flight, packing
the balloon and equipment after landing, then returning to
the launch site for a champagne toast and snacks.
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More
Serious Questions:
Are
Pilots licensed?
All
pilots are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA). Furthermore, our pilots are rated as Commercial Pilots
when giving hot air balloon flights or instruction.
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Is
Hunterdon Ballooning, Inc. insured?
Absolutely.
Please feel free to call us and ask specific questions regarding
insurance. We will be glad to enlighten you.
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Do
I need a reservation?
Yes.
Weekends are typically the most popular times to take a flight.
We recommend reserving a flight 2-3 weeks in advance of a
weekend, and 1-2 weeks for a weekday flight. Please feel free
to check for cancellations and openings for shorter reservation
periods.
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Gift
Certificate Information:
Do
you offer Gift Certificates?
Yes.
Gift certificates for a hot air balloon flight are excellent
ideas for birthdays, retirement, graduation, anniversaries
and numerous family and business related events. For the more
detailed information, click
here
